Massachusetts - State and Local Parks in North of Boston/Merrimack Valley

Bradley Palmer State Park
Asbury Street
Topsfield, MA
Phone: 508-887-5931

This park features trails for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. In addition, there is an area set aside for canoeing.

Halibut Point State Park
Gott Avenue
Rockport, MA
Phone: 508-546-2997

Historic park set on the site of an old granite quarry. The park features fishing and swimming areas, along with hiking and cross-country ski trails. Of particular interest is the view from atop the granite bluff, from which visitors can see Maine on clear days.

Harold Parker State Forest
1951 Turnpike St., Route 114
North Andover, MA  01845
Phone: 508-686-3391

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Harold Parker State Forest, 20 miles north of Boston, comprises 3,000 acres of hardwood forest. Swimming at Berry Pond,which has a sand beach, a new wash house, changing rooms, and flush toilets. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Lifeguards are on duty 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Grills and picnic tables are available.

Lawrence Heritage State Park
1 Jackson Street
Lawrence, MA
Phone: 508-794-1655

This historic park features fishing areas, hiking trails, and boating. Open 9 am-4 pm.

Lowell Heritage State Park
500 Pawtucket Boulevard
Lowell, MA
Phone: 978-369-6312

Park features hiking and biking trails, cross-country skiing, swimming, picnic areas, and more.

Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest
Trotting Park Road
Lowell, MA
Phone: 508-453-0592

This is a 1,150-acre park with swimming, canoeing, and fishing areas. Visitors can enjoy hiking and cross-country ski trails, in addition to seasonally scheduled programs.

Maudslay State Park
Curzon Mill Road
Newburyport, MA
Phone: 978-465-7223

Park features trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Programs are scheduled in season.

Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Beach Road, Route 1A
Salisbury, MA  01952
Phone: 508-462-4481

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A popular ocean beach that extends 3.8 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, Salisbury beach is part of a 521-acre park that offers swimming, boating, and fishing. Facilities include a campground with bathhouses, parking lot, comfort stations, over-the-dune boardwalks, playground, and pavilion.

Sandy Point State Reservation
Parker River Wildlife Refuge
Ipswich, MA
Phone: 508-462-4481

At the southern tip of Plum Island, this 77-acre park is among the state's most beautiful and popular coastal beaches for fishing and swimming. It also is a nesting area for the endangered piping plover.

Willowdale State Forest
Linebrook Road
Ipswich, MA
Phone: 508-887-5931

Features hiking and cross-country ski trails.